BHS Basketball Coach Dinky Phipps set to retire.

Barbourville High School boys Head Basketball Coach Vencil ‘Dinky’ Phipps is set to retire effective June 30.

Phipps has been at the head of the basketball program for the past 34 years and has compiled a 622-326 record giving him a nearly 65% win percentage throughout his career.

Former player Jamie Hinkle said about Coach Phipps, “He taught so many about discipline and hard work. He taught us to never give up. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to call him coach. I’ll always remember my time under Coach Phipps and smile.”

Phipps ranks 15th on the all-time wins list for boys’ high school basketball coaches and holds the sixth most wins among active coaches at 622 victories over 34 seasons.

“No matter how long he is retired he will always be known as Coach Phipps”, said a poster on Facebook. “He has a reputation of being hard-nosed but after knowing him for over 25 years I can say that he is the most humble person I have ever known.Our kids have lost a great coach and educator.”

School administrators intend for Coach Phipps to finish out the summer basketball season. Assistant Basketball Coach Roger Mills will assume the role of head coach as of June 30 and will direct the team until a new coach can be named.

The new coach will inherit a program that is coming off a 51st District Championship and a strong showing in the 13th Region tournament during the 2014-15 season. The Tigers return four of their five starters and will be a heavy favorite to repeat in the 51st District and will be a contender in the All-A Classic and the 13th Region.